"Isn't Lina going to be engaged to Zuko?" Melissa smiled and said, "The old house and the supermarket are all intended to be Lina's wedding gift!""Melissa, you...""I know the gift we prepared for Lina might not compare to yours." Melissa spoke softly. "But this is the best I can do. I pampered Lina growing up, and now that she's getting married, I must give her the best..."Linda's heart jolted, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Melissa's hand—this was what a parent's love was like.-Zuko and Lina's engagement ceremony caused a sensation in the entire Centrolis. The guests were all wealthy or influential. They mingled around, well-dressed and sophisticated, and the couple's exceptional charisma made them a sight to behold.Zuko was happy with every detail of the engagement ceremony, except for Toph's big mouth!Toph and Renee accompanied Zuko and Lina, playing roles similar to groomsmen and bridesmaids in a wedding. They were supposed to help them with toasts, but i
The question took aback Aaron. "Why? Is checking taxes now a lawyer's responsibility?"Jacob looked more serious. "It's everyone's responsibility!"Feeling intimidated by the imposing aura of the prominent lawyer, Aaron stood stiffly and didn't dare say another word.Abigail couldn't help but chuckle and gave Aaron a subtle look.Aaron cleared his throat and said, "Uh... Mr. Welsh, please rest assured. I've always been a law-abiding artist.""Is that so?" Jacob squinted. "You're still single, right? Do you have any rumored girlfriends? I hope there won't be any cheating scandals that implicate Abigail one day?""Mr. Welsh, what are you talking about?" Aaron winced, sweat forming on his forehead.Jacob's voice turned stern. "I'm saying, watch out!"He cleared his throat and stood closer to Abigail to physically block her. His expression was wary and hostile.Abigail's heart thumped. She could smell Jacob's aftershave from being so close to him. Looking at his pressed suit jacke
Abigail whispered, "What's going on? He's not even saying a word?""Oh, Ms. Fox, I'm sorry!" Aaron's manager followed behind, trying to explain. "Aaron didn't mean to ignore you!"Abigail paused, asking, "Then what did he mean?"'Of course, he was afraid to talk to you!' the manager thought.The manager forced a laugh and said, "He's preoccupied. He went to check his studio for any signs of tax evasion!"Abigail felt like turning into a statue on the spot."Still pretending after all this?" Lina's playful voice came from behind.Abigail quickly turned around and spotted Lina, elegantly dressed in a red embroidered dress that showcased her grace.Lina walked over, laughing at Abigail's ruined cake."You two are so obvious that even outsiders can see it clearly. Why are you both hiding and avoiding instead?""W-We're not..." Abigail blushed. "Jacob… He couldn't possibly...""Couldn't possibly like you?" Lina sighed. "If he doesn't like you, then why is he so hostile toward Aar
One year later, Lina successfully completed her studies and returned to Centrolis to start a new phase in life.Not much had happened during that year, but all that did happen was positive.Melissa's condition had stabilized, and she had been discharged from the hospital to rest at home. As long as she took her medication on time and maintained a good mood, there would be no significant problems.Jesse enjoyed taking care of Melissa every day. He tended to the plants and flowers, cleaned the house, and found joy in being by her side. After so many ups and downs in life, he was grateful that she was the one who had stayed with him till the end. He understood now what he had meant when he told Lina that a young couple would accompany each other in old age.-Dave had successfully entered the University of Centrolis. He had excellent grades and an outgoing personality, and he was the target of many girls' pursuits upon admission. However, he was not in a rush to start a relationship
Toph shrugged, neither confirming nor denying the statement.Indeed, a deep-rooted connection existed between the Bakers and the Harpers. It was said that both families had come to Melorian seeking opportunities in the early 20th century, and they had developed a strong friendship.During a later war, someone from the Harpers took a bullet for someone from the Bakers, forging a life-saving bond. Once the Bakers' older generation prospered, they wholeheartedly helped the Harpers' older generation achieve success as well, and this friendship continued to this day."It's not just that." Toph chuckled. "Some relatives from our grandmother's side also married into the Harpers. With this strong alliance, they're invincible in the investment industry in Melorian!"As Toph said that, he stretched his arms and made a sweeping gesture as if clearing the enemy forces.Lina couldn't help but laugh at his playful demeanor. However, when she glanced at Zuko, she saw that he remained calm with a
Lina was cautious with each step she took. When Janine introduced her and Renee to the other members of the Bakers, she paid close attention, not wanting to make any mistakes in the future."Some of them are distant relatives of the Bakers," Janine told her with a smile. "But they're quite capable!"In the future, you'll see. I don't care about anything else when I assess people. I don't ask about their background. As long as they have good character and are willing to make progress, I'm willing to support them!"Lina nodded and smiled back at her.There were both males and females among the Bakers. Young people always had endless topics to discuss when they gathered. Moreover, they were all familiar with Zuko and Toph, so Lina quickly fit in.As they all chatted happily, someone entered the hall. Things seemed to pause momentarily as they watched the girl walk straight to Janine and hug her with a bright grin."Sorry, Grandma Janine! I snuck out of the hotel as soon as I arrived
Everyone appeared slightly awkward.Zuko smiled and spoke with a deep voice while tightly holding Lina's hand. "Of course, it's not the same."All the younger cousins call me 'Zuko', so you should call me the same." Zuko smirked, "As for 'Z', that's an exclusive title for our Pammy."As he said that, he looked at Lina with a touch of tenderness rarely seen on his rugged face.The younger cousins exchanged smiles but remained silent. Desiree's expression shifted slightly, and she managed to force out a smile.The terms of address were only different by three additional letters, but for Zuko, they meant worlds apart. "Z" was only for Pammy and no one else.Desiree's eyes flashed with a hint of complexity, and she felt the need to save her image in front of so many people. Half-jokingly, she said, "What Pammy? Hah! Isn't her name Lina Jenner?""Desiree, what's gotten into you?" Toph looked at her. "Don't you know? Lina is Pammy! She's the Pammy whom Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Linda fi
Lina hadn't had the chance to refuse before Desiree hung up.Renee winced. "Why is she like this? Doesn't she even ask if others want to go?"Lina smiled with a hint of helplessness. People with such personalities were usually self-centered, carefree, and straightforward, seemingly lacking a scheming mind.Could she be wrong about Desiree all along, just like Renee suggested? However, her past experiences told her that it was always good to be cautious and have a guarded approach toward people and things."Cuz, are we going?" Renee asked.Lina paused momentarily and smiled gently. "Have you finished all your work?""More or less.""Then let's go and relax!" She was also curious to see what Desiree had planned.-Not long after, Lina and Renee arrived at the agreed location—a small Ilbon-style bar. Interestingly, the owner was a local from Jangasas. The bar was situated in a quiet part of the city center, surrounded by many mimosa trees. In summer, the pink fluffy blossoms cr